This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.This material reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein

UTU Unlocking The Universe Engaging adult learners in informal opportunities linked to European science heritage was the aim of this Grundtvig learning partnership. France, Poland, Slovakia and the UK worked together with adult learners, including those with sensory disadvantages, to develop illustrated case studies and artwork celebrating four scientific pioneers: Nicolaus Copernicus (1473 - 1543), Léon Foucault (1819 – 1868), Mikuláš Konkoly Thége (1842 – 1916) and Joseph Norman Lockyer (1836 – 1920). These 4 scientists used the technology of their times to advance our understanding of the Universe: Copernicus deduced the correct position of the Sun in our solar system; Foucault calculated the speed of light and developed the largest silvered-glass mirror telescope in the world; whilst Konkoly and Lockyer developed instrumentation to analyse the chemistry of the Sun and the stars. The partnership work plan included four transnational workshops - each linking with relevant scientific observatories and archive materials. Heritage exhibits and artwork were created with adult learners. These seniors were also encouraged to volunteer as exhibition guides in partner countries for a touring exhibition between August 2011 and July 2013. Illustrated case studies of the scientific pioneers using timelines were produced for the project film and translated into all partner languages. Some resources produced used tactile surfaces to enable visually-impaired learners to access the project. Partners included the PRIDES PACA Livres-Disques who linked with the Observatoire de Marseille (France), Slovak Central Observatory in Hurbanovo (Slovakia), Olsztyn Planetarium & Astronomical Observatory (Poland), and Space Today UK in Hereford who linked with the Institute of Astronomy, Cambridge (UK). A stained glass panel celebrating the four scientific pioneers was designed, produced and installed in Olsztyn Observatory in Poland.

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Strengths
Makes science accessible
Stirs students interest in scientific issues
Brings scientists and their discoveries closer to students
Weaknesses
Takes time to detect informal opportunities
Takes time to prepare such activities

Teachers’ Opinion

Strengths
Transferability potential in the classroom
Stimulates students’ interest in science and technology
Helps impaired students to visualize concepts
Enables impaired students’ access to science
Engages students in activities
Weaknesses
Time consuming (searching/ preparing activities)
Not enough activities to create a solid basis

Astronomy is a science essential for the knowledge of our universe and always stirs emotions and hopes.
The students of first and second degree are always fascinated by astronomy, although sometimes be proposal without going into too much detail. From here, if the interest continues, it is possible to discover, deduce, comprehend all the knowledge of astronomy and see the philosophical implications that follows.
Many times I introduce astronomy to my student with a big interest!

New comment on the Initiatives"Basics of Central Processing Unit (CPU) functions"

News

Dissemination Seminar in Florence

31 October 2015
The seminar has been held in ITIS “A. Meucci” one of the schools involved within Goerudio project activities. Its main aim was to promote the results of the project toward a broad sample of stakeholders even overcrossing the number of people directly involved in the production of project outcomes. This purpose has been totally achieved especially thanks to the participation of students and teachers coming from different schools or from other classes instead of those ones directly involved within the project activities.